Manager says supporters were man-of-the-match in win over Barnet
“If I had to pick a man-of-the-match it would have been the fans,” said manager Paul Tisdale after Exeter City’s 2-1 win at home to Barnet on Good Friday.
The Grecians raced into a 2-0 lead against Kevin Nugent’s side – thanks to goals from Jordan Moore-Taylor and David Wheeler in the opening six minutes of the match – but they were made to work hard for the victory as the visitors pulled a goal back through John Akinde and came close on numerous occasions to getting an equaliser.
Tis felt the fans were superb, with two games left to play at St James Park this season, he says the home supporters will have a big part to play in their promotion push.
“One thing I would say today is, if I had to pick a man-of-the-match, it would be the supporters,” said Tis. “They were brilliant today and we are going to need them in these home games because the lift they gave and the noise was fabulous. They kept going from start to end and they were man-of-the-match today.”
Tis admitted that he side suffered a bit under the pressure of the game and praised the performance of Barnet.
“I am content to win,” said Tis. “Let’s be honest, it is all about winning and you saw a side that was desperate to win today, but was nervy. We really went for it at the start and got a two-goal lead and then worked so hard, and defended so hard, to keep that lead. Another team (Barnet) played with complete freedom and, I have to say, looked a wonderful side.
“Kevin Nugent has done so well with that team. They have got one heck of a team and they played with real freedom, but you see where we are in the league – and what it means to us – and you just can’t play that way when you are in our position. We really went for it at the start, got two early goals and then it was an hour of considered play and we defended and worked so hard.”
City now have a four-point gap over themselves, in fifth, and Blackpool in eighth-place. However, having lost to Newport County last time out, Tis knows with four games to go this season there will be plenty of twists and turns in the promotion race between now and then.
“It’s better than having less than four points but in the same way as last Saturday (when we lost to Newport) I said we felt so low but we hadn’t blown it.
“This week we’ve had a great result, and the results around the top end of the league have gone for us, but it doesn’t mean we’re there.
“We just have to work towards the next game – there’s four games to go and the twists and turns will repeat game after game. Keep your nerve, game after game, concentrate, players working hard for each other and hopefully we'll pick up the results.”